World's first field-programmable radio frequency (FPRF) chip

Today, my topic covers an entirely different type of programmable device, which is referred to as an FPRF (field-programmable radio frequency) chip. But first, let's start with a very quick look at the traditional FPGA concept.

As we all know, FPGAs evolved from simple glue logic consolidation to being capable of implementing complex digital functions. Along the way, they have included a growing range of hard logic cores and functions such as processors and dedicated interface blocks. Some FPGAs also feature sophisticated analog functions such as high speed transceivers, but -- generally speaking -- FPGAs have really only touched the fringes of the analog world.

In contrast, the FPRF comes from the wireless domain and brings exciting new possibilities. At the highest level of abstraction, the FPRF transmitter takes a digital data stream and converts it into wireless signals, while the receiver perform the inverse operation. Add to this the capability to program key parameters like the RF frequency, gain, and bandwidth, and you have the essential ingredients of an FPRF chip.